Unemployment fell to 1.44m between September and November last year

The latest unemployment figures were released yesterday morning (24 Jan): UK unemployment falls to 1.44 million. 

Richard Shea, Managing Director for Search at Korn Ferry, Futurestep, EMEA has commented on the figures with the following:  

“Despite businesses continuing to walk the tightrope of economic uncertainty, these recent figures have once again signalled strong employment growth up and down the country. The challenge, however, remains competing for the right staff with the right skills to get the job done.

“The age of digital disruption is seeing business models, industries and working practices transform, with jobs that didn’t exist a few years ago being created. What this means is there are increasing demands for new skill sets in virtually every job and profession. As a result, hiring and retaining workers who are agile and who can adapt to the fast pace of change is and will be critical for staying ahead of the competition curve.

“In order to keep abreast of this wave, organisations must ensure that they have the pulling power to attract and retain the best. From flexible working schemes for a better work-life balance and increased holiday allowance, to robust career development programmes and creative working environments, employers need to communicate the benefits associated with their brand.

“Moreover, speed and agility are vital in any kind of competitive market, and this applies to the switched-on, digitally-savvy recruitment marketplace. Having the right recruitment tools and technology in place will make the process efficient and more responsive to the expectations of prospective employees.”